KEPCO said that about 200 workers started construction at five sites, guarded by 2,000 riot police who blocked the few hundred protesters ― mostly in their 70s and 80s.

Three residents ― Kang, 63, Kim, 75, and Koh, 70 ― sustained injuries during a clash with police. Kim was taken to hospital after losing consciousness.

Residents pledged they will continue to fight until KEPCO and the government halt the construction.

"The number of the injured will increase if KEPCO and the government forcibly push for the erection of the pylons," said Lee Kye-sam, secretary general of the Miryang Power Towers Opposition Committee, an organization of the protesters.

Lee suggested the government hold a television debate on the issue and establish an independent organization to deal with the matter.

However, KEPCO and the government rejected this and vowed to put up the 765 kilovolt pylons because they are essential to provide sufficient electricity to industrial complexes in the province.

KEPCO said that about 20.4 million kilowatts of electricity were produced in the Yeongnam region ― which includes Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, North and South Gyeongsang provinces ― last year, while demand reached 21.9 million kilowatts.

"We cannot delay the construction anymore, considering possible shortages of electricity next summer. We ask residents of Miryang and people to understand this," said KEPCO CEO Cho Hwan-eik in a press briefing, Tuesday.